Quick Answer: How To Recharge MTN Airtime USSD Code
Last Verified: Pending re-check
To recharge MTN airtime, dial
*136#from your MTN SIM, then follow the on-screen menu.Our records also list
*136*2#for this service.
Before You Start
A few checks up front save a failed session, especially on a busy network at month end.
- A RICA-registered MTN SIM that is active and has signal
- The number registered to the account, because the menu identifies you by it
- On a dual-SIM handset, the correct SIM selected before you dial
- Enough airtime or balance for what you are about to do
What information you may need
- The amount you want to buy
- The number you are recharging, if it is not your own
- Your voucher number, if you are loading a voucher
How to Buy Or Recharge Airtime
- Dial
*136#from your MTN SIM. - Choose the recharge or airtime option from the menu.
- Enter your voucher number, or choose an airtime bundle to buy.
- Confirm the amount and the number being recharged.
- Wait for the confirmation before dialling again.
Current code or menu path
*136# is recorded on this site on our MTN balance guide. The exact position of this task inside that menu is not separately verified, and providers reorder options without notice. Read the options on your screen rather than relying on a fixed number from any guide, including this one.
What Should Happen Next
- A confirmation screen showing what you asked for, before it is finalised
- An SMS or on-screen confirmation once it completes
- The change reflecting on your balance, usually within a few minutes
Confirmation message or next screen
Keep the confirmation until the change reflects. If you get no confirmation at all, check your balance before retrying, because repeating a request can duplicate it.
Why the Code or Menu May Not Work
- Invalid MMI code or nothing happens. Check signal, retry, or restart the handset.
- The session times out. USSD sessions are short. Reply promptly.
- The option is missing. It may not be enabled for your product type.
- Wrong SIM selected. Choose the SIM registered to the account.
- Insufficient balance. Some requests fail silently when the balance is too low.
For a fuller walkthrough across South African networks, see USSD code not working.
Fees, Limits, and Alternatives to Verify
- Whether the session itself is charged, and whether that differs by network
- Any transaction or service fee
- Daily and per-transaction limits
- Minimum and maximum amounts
- How long a transfer takes to reflect
App, website, branch, or support alternative
- The official MTN app
- The official MTN website or self-service portal
- A store or accredited agent
- The MTN customer-care line
Safety and Privacy Warning
Requests that move airtime, data or money are a common fraud target.
- Never share a PIN, password, OTP, card number or CVV with anyone, including someone claiming to be from MTN.
- Check the recipient number on screen before you confirm. Transfers are hard to reverse.
- Do not use a code from an advert, forum or social post. Use one from MTN directly.
- Do not let anyone talk you through a session while they are on the line.
More detail is on the USSD code safety guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MTN USSD code? *136#, as recorded on this site. Confirm it with MTN before you rely on it.
Do I need airtime or data? USSD needs network signal, not mobile data. Some providers publish a separate string for when you have no airtime at all.
Can I use it on any phone? Yes. USSD works on basic handsets as well as smartphones, which is why it stays useful when data is unavailable.
What if the option I want is missing? It is usually not enabled for your account or product type. Check with MTN rather than assuming the code is wrong.
Last verified date
Last Verified: pending re-check for the code shown above. Page last reviewed 22 August 2026. Task-level menu positions are not separately verified. Always confirm on your own screen and with MTN.
